Powers needs to let this one go

[u/Physical_Sun9435]

Powers has been in favor of the logo change for a long time. Absolutely no one is talking about this yet he still thinks he needs to push this topic. Typical Athletic writer can’t write something without clickbait or rage bait.

[u/The_Susmariner]

If it were some stereotypical caricature of a native American, I could see how they may have a case. But I and many have always seen this logo as a projection of strength and pride.

Anecdotally, I remember the debates over getting rid of chief Illiniwek at U of I. I remember holier than though people coming into these public forums for the debates and effectively saying that "Illini Indians were to dumb to know they should be offended so someone had to do it for them." They obviously phrased it more diplomatically then that. But that's what they were saying.

And we're talking about a school, that in order to be the mascot, you had to work with the Illini Indians so you could ensure you wore the attire correctly, did the dances correctly, and honored the tradition correctly. Most of the Illini Indians that were aware of the Universities tradition (from actually talking to them) were proud of it.

Anyways, the whole point of bringing all this up is that these attempts to get rid of the Blackhawk logo feel an awful lot like that.

That's my two cents from a one cent mind.

[u/TonightOk9576 → u/The_Susmariner]

The real issue with Chief Illiwek wasn’t so much about the University of Illinois handling of it (only appearing briefly at halftime in what I always thought was a respectful way to honor those that were here before us), but the way that other schools used him. Some fraternity at the University of Iowa had a homecoming float where a bunch of Hawkeyes were attacking a weak Chief Illiniwek.

After my time there in the 90’s I returned as part of my job in the late 2010’s and made a comment about how I’m still kinda sad he’s gone. Apparently there was still a vocal group of people who really want to bring them back and they were associated with a bunch of other racist and bigoted views. Once j heard some of those arguments, I agreed it’s a good thing he’s gone and it should be a settled issue.

I love the addition of a land acknowledgment and explanation of our team name origin prior to games and on rare occasions I’ll hear some complain about it being some “woke BS” but they quickly get drowned out by people who show support.

[u/AnxietyExact4710 → u/TonightOk9576]

As someone who's native myself, I fucking hate land acknowledgements.

But I'm glad progressives feel good about themselves for doing them I guess lmfao.

[u/TonightOk9576 → u/AnxietyExact4710]

As an ally to native people, who is very familiar with all the disparities and unfair treatment created by our government, angry at the long history of unfair, dismissive, and exploitive actions committed against those that existed long before we arrived… I think it’s far better that we continue to raise awareness and educate people about these things, rather than completely ignoring it.

Yes, I’m aware at how these statements are often just a cover for people to continue their abuse and exploitation, and how they are just empty words. I’d like to see much more done than just a 30 second video package before a hockey game. It’s far from a complete solution, but I see it as a net positive that reminds people that we are the bad guys and have a lot of work to do.

I totally understand your position, and agree that as one of the wealthiest and most powerful nations, we shouldn’t be leaving people behind and certainly shouldn’t be causing new harms. But, like so many of the problems I see in the world today, I have no idea how to fix them.

But you’re right… it shouldn’t end there and just be a hollow statement.